Overall Customer Rating

Well developed & executed

December 4, 2013

From streaming the album online early, I can say I completely enjoyed the musical experience that Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) has created. He crafted a body of work that has grown from his previous bodies of work (Culdesac, EP, CAMP, Royalty, etc...) and provides a glance into his more recent experiences. When listening to the album numerous times, a listener is able to understand a good number of themes, ideas, metaphors and puns missed with only one listen. I recommend taking some down time to immerse yourself in the album. Are you a little childish?

One of the better expiremental concept albums of 2

February 7, 2014

Gambino does am excellent job with this album. This is a lot better than Camp and if you enjoyed Camp you will enjoy this more. The production is on another level and he lyrically got more emotional and topical. Great listen. One of the best hip hop albums of last year.

Excellent album behind Camp

January 11, 2014

Childish Gambino; actor, writer, comedian and rapper/producer extraordinaire. I have been following Mr. Donald Glovers music since his free album Culdesac back in 2010 and also on one of my favorite shows "Community", and its just been a fun ride following his progression as an artist. First of all, his debut album "Camp" was one of my favorite albums of 2011, CG has a sharp ear for beats as well as an incredible wit when it comes to clever punchlines, in which I'm sure is credited to his knack for comedy writing. Last year he released a free mixtape online entitled "Royalty" which was a complete overhaul of Childish Gambino's artistic sound when compared to his earlier work. This mixtape featured an abundance of underground/mainstream artists ranging from the legendary RZA, Bun B and Ghostface Killah to up and coming successes such as Ab-Soul, ScHoolboy Q and Chance the Rapper, and even folk artist Beck and old mentor Tina Fey...Those who are familiar to CG's earlier work are well aware that Childish Gambino does not normally feature other artists on any of his projects, usually handling all the rap verses and hooks himself, so this mixtape was a bit of a head scratcher. Not to mention, his rapping style was dumbed down to fit the uninspiring and bland production that was present on Royalty
After Royalty, I was a bit skeptical of how Childish Gambino's second album would fair against his previous catalog of music. Luckily for me, "Because the Internet" is not like Royalty, and neither is it like any of his previous albums. BTI, is an album that shows the growth of an artist with a vision. BTI is a conceptual affair that coincides with CG's life covering a variety of topics such as women, insecurities, blatancy, fame, and even drugs; but packaged in a confusing yet cohesive way. There are a total of 19 tracks, technically 16 if you exclude the short interludes, that flow seamlessly with one another.
The production on the album is very experimental, and at first may confuse old fans. This is not the same Gambino we are used to hearing. This is an in-depth Gambino that delves into a more honest human being that (instead of being insecure about race and acceptance like on CAMP) is learning accept himself as human being but looking for a bigger purpose. There are songs on this album that tie in with the 'internet' concept such as "Worldstar" & "Earth: The Oldest Cumputer", but the song titles aren't necessarily a means of tying in the narrative. Each song is just a single part of the bigger picture, and only when listened in chronological order can be understood. There are only a few songs that are more accessible such as "Sweatpants" which features a classic punchline Gambino flowing quick and in your face, and "3005" which is an easy radio single thanks to the catchy beat and hook, however the lyrics are much more depressing than they appear.
What I am impressed with mostly on this album is Gambino's growth in music. He mixes many genres within all the songs including Jazz, Funk, R&B, Rock, Techno and even a little bit of industrial sounds. What's amazing is that neither of the songs sound out of place on the album. Songs like "The Worst Guys" and "Telegraph Ave." in my opinion showcase some of the best instrumentals Gambino has ever rapped on. And even "Pink Toes" feat. Jhene Aiko sounds sweet, but features experimental textures. There is a lot of songs on here that must be heard numerous times to fully capture and appreciate the detailed nuances. The only complaint I really have with the album is the middle section of the album which at times can be very slow, and sometimes can be a real grind trying to listen trough. But all in all, Because the Internet is not just your average Hip Hop album, it is a musical experience. I highly recommend this album to any music lover that appreciates experimental music, but be warned that this album is not for everyone. If you're just a casual Hop Hop lover that just likes to hear banging beats and corny Lil Wayne punchlines, this album is not for you.

Gambino not so Childish Anymore

July 14, 2014

Donald Glover's latest begins very strong. Bass fueled hip hop music for the first half and the LP. The second half becomes more of a slow tempo R&B Album. Lyrics have become slightly more mature than earlier recordings. The music however LEAPS over the last album. I could easily listen to this just instrumental. The interludes are supposed to go with the online screenplay written with this album but I think they stall the pace of the album. Still good tunes from Gambino